In the Arizona Territory in 1879, Apaches leave their reservation to wreak vengeance on the farmers and gold miners who have invaded their homeland. Captain Stanton of the U. S. Cavalry captures Red Hawk, son of Apache chief Victorio, and uses him to bargain for a truce, agreeing to see that greedy miners are kept off Indian territory. The unscrupulous white men murder the new Indian agent, however, and the Apaches are blamed. Stanton is replaced by Colonel Perry, who uses the opportunity to ambush Red Hawk and move him to a new reservation in Texas. Stanton feels that he has broken his word to the chief's son and offers to resign. Red Hawk, however, offers his friendship; and Stanton, with his half-breed fiancée, Dawn, decides to remain in the Cavalry.